We are shining a spotlight on the region’s 50 fastest growing businesses this spring with the launch of Fast Growth 50.

The Bristol Post, Bath Chronicle, Western Daily Press and the Western Morning News have teamed up to launch the initiative, highlighting the 50 fastest-growing companies in the South West based on turnover over the past three years.

The campaign will culminate in an exclusive black-tie event to be held on March 9 at Ashton Gate Stadium - and we can now reveal that business mogul and television presenter Nick Hewer will be taking centre stage as speaker host at the event.

Hewer, 73, is best known as Lord Sugar's adviser on the television series The Apprentice , as well as being the presenter of Channel 4’s Countdown.

He started off in public relations in the mid-1960s, and for thirty years headed up his own PR company, which held a prestigious list of British and international clients.

Hewer first came across Lord Sugar when his PR company was chosen to represent Amstrad in 1983, playing an integral part in the company’s management structure. He became known as the tycoon’s right hand man.

He has said of Lord Sugar: “Alan is a very generous friend. The best thing about working for him was there was always something going on - he has vibrancy about him.”

He later embarked on his television career as Sugar's adviser on The Apprentice , with his dry humour and legendary facial expressions earning him cult status. Since January 2012, he has presented Countdown with Rachel Riley and Susie Dent, having taken over from Jeff Stelling.

A philanthropist and keen traveller, Hewer’s works for charity include driving a 20 year-old Renault 4L solo from London to Mongolia, and taking part in a Children in Need trek from Istanbul to Almaty in Kazakhstan. He is also a patron of the charity Hope and Homes for Children.

About Fast Growth 50

Fast-growing businesses are key to driving the region’s economy forward, creating jobs and increasing productivity. The South West Fast Growth 50 is highlighting the 50 fastest-growing companies based on turnover over the past three years.

Western Daily Press editor Gavin Thompson said: “As a region we have so much to celebrate. We have some remarkable long-established businesses which are mainstays of our economy and major employers.

“But it’s the fast-growing companies today which will become those powerhouses of tomorrow. These companies are innovating and scaling up, and their success is vital to the prosperity of the region.

“So we plan to celebrate them in the South West Fast Growth 50, and by sharing their stories I hope we also help other businesses to emulate their success. Being in the South West Fast Growth 50 will be a badge of honour for those who make it.”

The initiative is the brainchild of Bristol Post columnist Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, who created the Wales Fast Growth 50 which has just celebrated its 19th year.

He said: “Research has shown that a small number of innovative firms create the majority of jobs and this project will celebrate the achievements of those entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses and making a real difference to the economy of the region.”

All the companies being featured in the final list have a minimum turnover of £250,000, are an independent or private business (not a franchise or subsidiary), and are based in the South West of England.

One of the companies to support the Fast Growth 50 as a sponsor is itself a growing business.

Dribuild, which is headquartered in Keynsham, and recently expanded by acquisition into Plymouth, was recently heralded in a list of high-growth companies by the Financial Times. The construction firm’s managing director Matt Tyler said: “We know the hard work and focus it takes to be a fast-growing business because we are one, and that’s why we’re supporting these awards.”